When the Portuguese arrived in the Premier League back in 2004, he had a formidable team that marched to the Premier League title and a League Cup trophy.

And Neville reckons that side was even more dangerous that Conte’s XI, that features the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante.

"For me, hands down this team here is by far the best Chelsea team, probably it's ever been," he said on Sky Sports.

Chelsea player ratings v Watford

CHELSEA beat Watford in the Premier League today - here are our Blues player ratings after the match.

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CHELSEAFC

Chelsea player ratings v Watford

“It was probably the hardest team I ever played against”

Gary Neville

"It was probably the hardest team I ever played against, 15 goals conceded. That's an incredible statistic.

"If you think of that team, (Petr) Cech, one of the best in the world, (William) Gallas one of the best defenders in the world.

"(John) Terry and (Ricardo) Carvalho probably two of the best defenders in Europe at the time, (Paulo) Ferreira was a fantastic right-back, (Claude) Makelele was the best holding midfield player in the world.

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Jose Mourinho assembled a formidable side back in 2004

"(Frank) Lampard probably the best goalscorer in the Premier League from midfield, (Michael) Essien one of the best box-to-box players you would see and then world class up front.

"(Arjen) Robben and (Didier) Drogba in particular and ably supported by Damien Duff, who I thought was a fantastic player as well.

"To me that team will take some beating. That is the best Chelsea team and it was obviously Jose Mourinho's first team."